Thursday, June 15, 2006

Haberman Fabrics in Royal Oak is sponsoring a "Make It Work" contest for Michigan designers on August 1. PR2 alumni Kara Janx will be judging a runway show between 10 finalists. At stake: a new $3,400 Bernina sewing machine and a personal portfolio critique by Tim Gunn.

The event is also a fundraiser for theBarbara Ann Karmonos Cancer Institute. The public is invited for a meet and greet with Kara, the runway show and a chance to bid on a very unique auction item: a trip for two to the PR3 OFW finale show at Bryant Park in September! Click here for more details. And, as an added bonus, Tbone will be there! Thanks Jeannie!

True connfession time.... I own five Berninas. Three sewing machines and two sergers. I bought my first one in 1983 and it still runs beautifully. Just like a Swiss watch. I LOVE my Berninas. This is a great contest.

Laura, at this point I don't know who I am more envious of, you or TBone. I've been debating a serger for 5 years but the fear of threading has put me off.I've been to Detroit many times, even lived there, in Oak Park, for six months, almost tempted to talk hubby into a weekend trip.Brenda

I can thread my four-thread serger in about 60 seconds. It's not as hard as you've heard. Actually I think I could do it with my eyes closed. The Bernina 1300DC is my favorite. Look for sales - I got a floor model.

*FIVE* Berninas? Ooooh, I am SO jealous! I did a test run on a Bernina when I was last looking for new sewing machines, and it sewed so nicely! (Ended up keeping my old machine for various reasons, but next time it needs work, out it goes.)

LOL-Laura, I have my mom's circa 1980 Singer. I love it only because a. I am the most elementary of sewers and b. I learned on a machine just like it. My aunt has a Bernina though, and took sewing lessons with Martha Stewart. Not as exciting as taking them from Laura K! Laura, the overlock upper!

Well, it's me-Jeannie! I'm so happy to see you posted this contest-I only wish I could be in the contest. OK I too am afraid of my serger-the threading thing looks way too complicated. I would LOVE a new Berina. Jay McCarrol's Berina did a great job! I'm using a late 70s Singer sewing machine-so reliable, all metal, probably could sew wood if I dared to try. My mom gave me her serger-still in the box. I have had it now for a year-still in the box. Maybe I'll play with it during PR marathon next week...

Jeannie, the serger is still in the box! NO! Get it out, set it up, open the instruction manual to the threading page and get started. It is NOT that hard, I promise. Whatever brand it is, you can probably go to that dealer and get free (or low-cost) lessons if you still need help. You are so lucky to have such a fun machine. E-mail me and I will send you a link to a photo of my very young students who ALL can use (but maybe not thread) the serger!

Laura, you're so kind! Thank you, I will email you soon, maybe it will insipre me. I keep saying, why do I need a serger? But I know I should just jump in and stop being a big baby about it. I took a peek in the box, it has an instructional video!! Maybe this summer when I'm off... before July 12th, of course! LOL